Catching Up...

Back to work - Today
I haven't posted in a while because I haven't wanted to think about going back to work and have been trying to take advantage of every remaining moment of my precious maternity leave. It has been such a great experience for me to have had this time off to spend full time with my sweet boys and I am so thankful for a great job that has allowed me to do this. I have learned and grown so much over the past 3.5 months since Charlie was born and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a great network of people (a special shout out to Lara and Paul) who have taught me and supported me in word, deed, and most of all example. Today was my first day back at work and so far so good. When I went back to work after George was born I cried for two days--today wasn't nearly as hard. I think it helps that I knew what to expect and that I am only working part time but what made the biggest difference was Darci. I truly feel blessed to have Darci here as George and Charlie's nanny. It makes it so much easier on me knowing they are being cared for by their loving aunt who really wants the best for them. She is also really fun and both of my boys adore her. I have spent most of today just getting organized and beginning the process of making sense of the email that has taken over my inbox. I have to say that when I quit working today at 4pm I had a good amount of energy to spare, in contrast, on the days when I am working as a full time mom I am completely exhausted by 4pm (and I usually nap when my boys nap). So what I am saying is that taking care of two kids all day is much more physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding than being a software implementation consultant.

Charlie's Blessing - May 6
The day Charlie was blessed was an awesome day on so many levels. Charlie has such a special spirit about him and I felt especially blessed to know him and be his mother on that special day. We were surrounded by a lot of family and had a great time at our house after the blessing.

Paul gave Charlie his blessing and here is a list of some of the things Charlie was blessed with:

• Health and strength
• A desire to learn and to get an education
• An understanding of the value of obedience
• Faith to overcome the challenges he will face in this life
• An understanding of his role in his family and the ability to be a support to his siblings and family
• A desire to serve a mission and to be married in the temple

I feel so blessed to be Charlie's mother. He is such a special boy and I know that he is one of Heavenly Father's special spirits and that he has been prepared for this time. His cute smile (dimples and all) light up his face and the faces of any onlookers. It is hard to explain how Charlie has helped me grow because we have only spent a short time together and he is still so small but his presence is very calming and has taught me to reflect and enjoy the journey.

Baby Animal Day - May 12
On Saturday we went to Baby Animal Day at the Blackfoot Fairgrounds and George got to pet the baby animals. I wish I had a picture of the mullet family that cut in front of us in the balloon line but these cute pics of the boys will have to do.

George petting the "baa, baa, baa's". Their wool was so soft and their voices were so cute.

George and Daphne with the little piggies.

George looking at "Charlie the albino python."

George and Charlie in their stroller. Charlie got to ride without the car seat and he loved it.

More pics of Charlie in the stroller.

George loves his portable DVD player and asks for it nearly every time we get in the car. On the way to Blackfoot I was sitting in the back feeding Charlie while my mom drove and I got this pic. He has a chunk of sucker on his lip.

Mother's Day - May 13
I had a wonderful Mother's Day. We (me and the boys, Paul had to stay and work) went to Idaho Falls for the weekend. On Saturday we went to Baby Animal Day and then Lara and I went to a salon for the best gift of all from my mom. We had our hair washed and styled and I had mine done straight. I felt very glamorous which is a good thing because that night we went go-cart racing and you have to look good for an event like that. On Sunday we had brunch at the Country Club and then got to talk to Travis (he is serving his mission in Dominican Republic and will be home in August).

Tribute to my Mom - My mom has an awesome passion for life. She loves to try new things and share what she learns with those she loves. This includes everything from fly fishing and hiking to Goji Juice and Bumble and Bumble. She is smart and beautiful and I have always been proud to call her my mom. She knows how to throw a good party and goes above and beyond to create special events for her kids. She has a way of making holiday's magical and creating special memories through traditions old and new. One of my favorite things about my mom is the little notes that she has written me for birthday's, holiday's, special occasions, and most special of all "just because." She has never believed in sheltering her children and I am grateful for her willingness to allow us to experience the good, the bad, and the ugly of life. As a mother, I appreciate the courage it takes to watch your children feel pain and struggle. I know that I can always get an honest opinion when I go to my mom because she is good at telling things like she sees them. She has had to tell me to "buck-up" and stick it out on more than one occasion and I have always been thankful for that council. Most of all I am grateful for the friendship I have with my mom and the opportunity I have had to watch her with my kids. She is an amazing Nana.


Tribute to Judy - I really have the best mother-in-law ever. If she were Catholic she would probably be named a Saint. She is one of the most Christ-like people I know and works very hard to serve all those who she comes in contact with. She has a way of making everyone feel very special. She loves being a mother more than any other thing and on Mother's Day she wrote all of us a beautiful tribute about how blessed she feels to be our mother. I love Judy and am so grateful for all she does for me, Paul, and our boys.

So I guess that catches us up.